Maui for Kids

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[SECTION]Maui for kids[/SECTION]
For ever I had discounted Maui as a cheesy wedding and honeymoon destination. Then a sporting pursuit lured our young family to the island and we were pleasantly surprised to discover more.



[SECTION]M is for Mountains[/SECTION]
Maui is called "the valley isle" and where there are valleys there are mountains. Even if you remain at sea level, the mountains of Maui provide a dramatic backdrop.



At 10,023 feet (3,055 meters), Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world and is Maui's high-point. The caldera is huge: 3,000 feet deep, 7.5 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. Drop by the Visitors' Center to discover the various ways to experience the mountain. A junior ranger program is offered for children aged 7-12 and watching the sunrise is popular. Adventurous families may be keen to conquer the 37 mile Haleakala Downhill Coast bike ride. This breezes you from 10,000 feet to sea level in a flash and looks to be amazing. We're keen to return with teenagers.



The road to Hana and beyond is a beautiful drive and will lead your family to Oheo Gulch (the "seven sacred pools") where you can hike the Pipwai Trail to the 400 foot Waimoku Falls. Another pretty area is the Iao Needle (rising 1,200 feet above sea level) and Iao Valley where kids will enjoy hiking along a running stream. Honolua Bay also is fabulous, especially for families with little walkers. You can 'trek' through an enchanted (muddy) forest to a rocky beach in this pretty bay with excellent surfing and snorkeling options.



[SECTION]A is for Adventures[/SECTION]
There are adventures to be had on Maui. Here are ten ideas to get you started:
1. Learn to surf.



2. Learn to windsurf.
3. Ride a zipline.
4. Hunt for treasure.
5. Whale watch.
6. Horseback ride.
7. Parasail.
8. See Maui from a helicopter.
9. Day trip to Molokai or Lanai (once the world's largest pineapple plantation).
10. Honour a great adventurer by visiting Lindbergh's grave, the resting place of Charles Lindbergh, who in 1927 was the first person to fly solo across the Atlanic Ocean.

[SECTION]U is for Underwater activities[/SECTION]
Snorkelling is a favourite activity on Maui and for good reason, it's wonderful under the water.



Great spots for kids include:

Kapalua Bay: here you'll see turtles and tropical fish on the northeast reefs of this pretty beach, but take care, strong currents can be offshore.
Kaanapali Beach: this is "America's best beach", apparently. Perhaps self-proclaimed because it is also home to Maui's first world class resort. Easy access and all amenities available.
Ahihi Keanau Reserve: some of Maui's best snorkelling can be found in this protected cove on the south side of the island.
Molokini Island: for a day trip to remember, join a tour boat to this 400 meter wide volcanic crater that has been likened to a natural aquarium.



If you prefer to stay dry or if you want to learn about what you see in the sea, then I recommend you visit the Maui Ocean Center or sail on a submarine or glass bottom boat.

[SECTION]I is for Icecream[/SECTION]

Need I say more. Choose a few flavours...



...and enjoy under this amazing tree.



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